Buying Second-hand Furniture in Brighton | Best Shops, Auctions & Delivery

Find the best vintage and secondhand items with our expert removals and single item delivery services. Here's our step by step guide to buying secondhand furniture in Brighton you can get those unique, one of a kind furniture pieces and antiques into your new home!

Where to Shop in Brighton & Hove

At ESV Removals Ltd, we understand the importance of furnishing your home or office with unique and affordable pieces. If you're buying secondhand furniture in Brighton and beyond, we're here to help. Our Brighton removals service is trusted by many commercial and domestic clients who are buying or selling furniture, and we've compiled this guide to help you navigate the best places to find secondhand furniture and arrange for smooth deliveries.

Call 07552 555 820 or book at eastsussexvan.com and we’ll collect from shops, auctions or private sellers, protect it in transit and deliver safely to your Brighton home.

Why Buy Secondhand Furniture in Brighton?

It's eco friendly, purchasing secondhand furniture contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle. It's unique and affordable, secondhand furniture offers a chance to find distinctive pieces at a fraction of the price of new furniture.
 

Around 42% of the UK’s bulky waste is furniture—about 670,000 tonnes a year. Of that, 20% is reusable as-is and a further 25% is reusable with minor repair. - wrap.ngo


With Brighton's eclectic style and vintage charm the shops and stalls make it a great place for secondhand furniture shopping.

Top Locations for Secondhand Furniture in Brighton and Nearby:
 

Brighton Laines

Brighton Laines is a must visit area for secondhand furniture enthusiasts. With its charming alleyways filled with independent stores, it's the perfect place to find vintage and retro furniture in Brighton. You'll come across a variety of styles, from mid-century modern pieces to shabby chic treasures all whilst supporting local businesses.

ESV Removals Ltd Tip: Once you've found your perfect piece we can assist with hassle free Brighton removals, ensuring your new item arrives safely at your home.

Gorringes Lewes

If you're willing to venture out of Brighton, Lewes is a hub of antique shops, auction houses and flea markets. Gorringes auctionhouse in Lewes often stocks a range of antique and secondhand furniture. It's a great spot to find solid wood furniture, classic art deco pieces, vintage sofas and more. Lewes' proximity to Brighton makes it an easy day trip for any furniture hunter.

ESV Removals Ltd Tip: No need to worry about transporting your new treasures. Gorridges is one of our more frequented spots and we're experts at moving any furniture piece wherever you need it to be.

Three Angels Hove

Neighbouring Brighton, Three Angels in Hove is a favourite for those looking for a variety of pre-loved furniture. From sofas and chairs to tables and storage solutions, you'll find one off high quality items perfect for any new space or project. This is one of the best spots we've frequented in Sussex for some truly phenomenal one of a kind pieces be it 200 year old Vietnamese vases or a trendy sideboard for the bedroom.

ESV Removals Ltd Tip: Whether you're in Brighton or Hove if you're up for helping us load our Brighton man and van services are ideal for transporting you and you furniture short distances around the city.

East London

If you're up for venturing further afield East London is known for it's vibrant market scene and diverse collection of secondhand furniture stores. From antique furniture in Portabello to industrial pieces around Hackney, East London is the perfect place to find something unique. The area is a treasure trove of style, offering everything from Bohemian to modern designs.
 

ESV Removals Ltd Tip: If you're purchasing secondhand furniture from East London, ESV Removals Ltd is ready to assist with nationwide removals as well as our convenient Brighton man and van service.

Tips for Buying Secondhand Furniture in Brighton
 

Inspect Before You Buy 

Always check the quality of the item. Look for sturdy joints, upholstery, and woodwork to ensure durability. Whilst some level of wear and tear is good, too much and your item won't last the summer, let alone years in your home!

Measure Your Space

Make sure the furniture fits in your home by taking measurements with you to the shop. We can work furniture into some pretty small spaces, but we can't beat physics so make sure your items fit through the door!

Negotiate

Don’t hesitate to negotiate the price, especially if you’re buying multiple items. Half the fun of going to flea markets, antique shops and vintage shops is haggling so get stuck in and get yourself those great deals. 

Delivery Options

Arrange a professional Brighton homemove or man and van service to transport your purchases. That's where we come in with our selection of vans!!!

Not ready to move it in yet? Pair your purchase with same-day storage through our partner Big Yellow Storage Brighton, book your move with us and we’ll handle pickup, bay suspensions and placement into your unit.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fire label on second-hand sofas and armchairs?

Yes. Upholstered items must have a permanent fire-safety label. Without it, most charities won’t accept donations and traders can’t legally resell the item.

Where can I find the fire label?

Check along the back or underside seams for a stitched-in label. It should be permanent rather than a swing tag and easy to read.

Will British Heart Foundation take my sofa without a label?

No. Charities such as the British Heart Foundation require the permanent fire-safety label to accept upholstered donations.

What law covers fire labels on furniture?

The rules are set by the UK Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations. Amendments take effect from 30 October 2025, so keeping the label intact is essential for resale or donation.

How do you handle delivery of second-hand furniture?

We measure doors, stairs and lifts in advance, blanket-wrap and strap every piece, and use corner guards for veneered items to prevent scuffs and crush marks.

Can you sort parking on narrow or busy Brighton streets?

Yes. We can arrange bay suspensions or dispensations where required and position the van for safe, legal loading so your delivery runs smoothly.

 

Why Choose ESV Removals Ltd for Your Brighton Furniture Delivery? 

At ESV Removals Ltd, we specialise in moving furniture of all shapes and sizes. Whether you're buying secondhand furniture from the Brighton Lanes or sourcing something unique from East London, our Brighton removals service ensures your new furniture arrives safely and on time. We’re fully insured and handle all types of furniture with care, including delicate and bulky pieces.

 

secondhand vintage furniture delivery

 

About the author...

Peter Hawes is the director of ESV Removals Ltd, a family run Brighton and Sussex removals team known for calm planning, careful handling and clear prices. Peter oversees every move from first message to the last box and brings local know-how for permit zones, tight stairwells and seafront buildings. ESV is fully insured with £20,000 Goods in Transit and £5 million Public Liability, recognised with two SME Southern Enterprise Awards in 2025 and backed by 280 plus five star Google reviews. The company follows an eco pledge that prioritises Esso Ethos fuel where available, reuses boxes and runs paperless bookings. Learn more at www.eastsussexvan.com or call 07552 555 820.